Paarl Rotary recently celebrated the induction of its new president, businessman Patrick Klaassen (centre).
With him are Rotary District Governor Anton Lubbe and outgoing president, Pierre Botha who also handed out a number of awards to club members. They included long-standing member Dr Vernon Els, who was awarded honorary membership of the club after 50 years of loyal membership.
Dr Vernon Els receives honorary membership from outgoing president Pierre Botha. He has been a member since 1975. Other members honoured were Eugene Reynders, Clive Trent, Pietie van Aarde, Deon Erasmus, Brenda Wynne, Patrick Klaasen and Rudy Dupont.
Outgoing president Pierre Botha received a Paul Harris Award, the highest Rotary award, for his sterling service to the club, from outgoing district governor Pam Rawbone. At right is Rudy Dupont, who motivated the award.
WE REMEMBER DAVE
We honour a very special friend, Rotarian Dave Deacon, who passed away recently. For thirty years, he served our club not for recognition, but for purpose, embodying Service Above Self in every act. He joined The Rotary Club of Paarl in 1996 – a member for 30 years. He served as president of the club in the 2002-2003 year. He received his Paul Harris in 2005 and his 1st sapphire in 2008.
He was very involved in the Cycle Race committees over the years – from the Bouckaert Soenen Road Cycle Challenge, to the Paarl Cycle Tour and recently the Winelands Cycle Race.
He was also active in the District Hike group serving as chairperson for a number of years. Together with fellow Rotarian Dave Moss, he started the “Walkies” group initially with members of Rotary and then opened it up to non-Rotarians. They arranged three walks per week.
As Past President, he led with humility, listening more than speaking, lifting others before himself. His legacy lives in our projects, our friendships, and our values.
We are saddened at the loss, but we know Dave is in a better place. May we continue his work with the same grace, integrity, and unwavering dedication he showed us all.
- We also remember the wives of Rotarians, Lynne Harris and Hester Serfontein, who passed away recently. Our thoughts are with Trevor and Leon.